Power to you

Know a little more about the criminalization of Indian politics. Here is some information that can help you get a better perspective.

Power to you

On the morning of May 16, 2014, the roads were empty. As the mid-summer sun scorched the streets, few vehicles were to be seen. Everyone seemed to be glued to the TV or the radio, waiting for the election results to be announced. People huddled around corner tea shops and engaged in animated predictions of their own.

Over the next few weeks, a new government will be formed. Our future as a nation will be decided by those whom we have voted into power and chosen as our elected representatives. However, it is alarming to note that in these Lok Sabha elections, 17% of all candidates contesting had criminal charges against themselves, as compared to 15% in 2009.

Our duty then, as citizens of this country, is not yet done. We have to become involved in the everyday functioning of democracy. We have to demand that our government machinery be transparent, accountable and imbued with the spirit of service.

Of course, this is no easy task. But we are not powerless. The strength of the voter turn-out this time has shown that the Indian voter is taking an active role in democracy. However, let's not stop with the vote. We need to be aware of our rights as citizens and use the next five years as an opportunity to demand clean politics and governance.

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